Menlo Park’s Belle Haven and Bayfront neighborhoods are beautiful, cherished, and growing. We’re excited to move to the next phase of planning a new library branch with the community. We're reaching out for your help to design this vital new resource that will serve our city for generations to come. Over the next few months, we'll be focusing on location criteria, then creating the conceptual designs. Join the conversation—we want to hear from you!

Community meeting

October 5, 2019, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Community meeting #2 at the Belle Haven Branch Library focused on collaboratively identifying possible sites and evaluating them based on previously identified criteria.

Childcare, translation services, and light refreshments will be provided at this workshop. For questions, please contact Assistant Library Services Director Nick Szegda.

The September 5, 2019, Community Meeting presentation slides are available for review. The September 5, 2019, Community Meeting notes are also available.

Next steps

• September 2019 - Citywide survey released
• September 2019 - Pop-up activities throughout the neighborhood focused on collaboratively developing siting criteria
• October 5, 2019 - Community Meeting #2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Belle Haven Branch Library

​Public meetings

• September 5, 2019, 6 p.m. - Community meeting #1 at the Senior Center focused on collaboratively identifying siting criteria. Presentation slides are available.
• September 16, 2019, 6: 30 p.m. - Library Commission meeting at the branch library. The Commission will hear an initial report on the site evaluation criteria that emerged at the focus group sessions, pop-up events, and the first community meeting
• October 5, 2019, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Community meeting #2 at the Belle Haven branch library focused on collaboratively identifying possible sites and evaluating them based on previously identified criteria

During the conceptual design phase we will work to develop:

1. Preliminary illustrations of a new branch library
2. Siting options
3. Estimated costs for a new branch library
4. Funding mechanisms

There will be multiple opportunities for residents to get involved. Your input is encouraged and welcomed - we need to hear from you! Watch this page for information about how you can get involved. 

Belle Haven Library Space Needs Study - Complete

The City Council reviewed and accepted the completed Belle Haven Space Needs Assessment at their April 16, 2019, meeting. Thank you to all of the community members and stakeholders who gave their time and their valuable insights throughout the process.

Library Commission

The Library Commission will continue to review  and provide input throughout the Library System Improvements Project. The Commission meets on the third Monday of each month.

Belle Haven Neighborhood Library Advisory Committee

The Library Needs Assessment for the Belle Haven Neighborhood is complete. The Belle Haven Neighborhood Library Advisory Committee was formed to assist throughout the process.